Olivia Holt Talks Awkward Icebreaker Filming ‘Heart Eyes’

Olivia Holt is feeling on top of the world after her major studio debut in Heart Eyes, and she’s not shy about sharing the journey. The slasher romcom, directed by Josh Ruben, has garnered rave reviews, marking a perfect next step for Holt after her standout role in Totally Killer (2023). Though her casting came with a unique twist—no chemistry read between her and co-star Mason Gooding—an unforgettable scene helped them quickly bond on set.

Holt and Gooding play two advertising professionals, Ally and Jay, forced to work together on a jewelry company campaign. Their Valentine’s Day dinner takes a wild turn when a traveling serial killer, targeting seemingly happy couples, sets his sights on them. The intense showdown with the “Heart Eyes Killer” escalates quickly, and an early scene in Ally’s bedroom, featuring a comically awkward moment with an intimate bedside object, unexpectedly helped Holt and Gooding find their rhythm together.

As Holt recalls, “It was very early days of shooting, and everyone was still getting acquainted with each other. So it was a nice icebreaker for me, Mason, and the crew, even if it was definitely awkward.” The chemistry on screen was key to the success of the film, and Gooding went the extra mile to bond with Holt by wearing a tank top that read “Olivia Holt’s #1 fan” and even sporting her costume for a day. Holt couldn’t help but laugh as she described the hilarious moment: “He wore my belt and a pair of shorts that were a couple sizes bigger—he was insane.”

Despite their unique start, Holt and Gooding’s collaboration proved to be a hit with audiences, cementing Heart Eyes as one of the most well-received films of the year. Holt’s journey from auditioning for the role of Ally to being on set in New Zealand is a testament to her dedication and the serendipity of the casting process.

In her conversation with THR, Holt also opened up about her audition experience and shared the fun reactions from her co-stars to the film’s memorable jokes. Heart Eyes is a thrilling mix of romance and horror, and Holt’s portrayal of Ally has proven to be the perfect fit in this quirky, high-energy slasher.